Losing weight can sometimes feel overwhelming, but weight loss medications like semaglutide, are providing a fresh sense of optimism. Marketed under brand names such as Wegovy® and Ozempic®, semaglutide has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in supporting weight management efforts. Let’s take a look at how this medication works and check out the dosage schedule you might follow if you’re taking semaglutide for weight loss.
Semaglutide was originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes. When testing was conducted during the earlier stages of developing this medication many patients noticed that they were losing weight as well as treating their condition.
It’s part of a group of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, which basically mimic a hormone in your body that helps control your blood sugar. By helping to curb your appetite, semaglutide can lead to eating less and losing weight.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how semaglutide helps with weight loss:
Overall, these actions help people who are trying to lose a significant amount of weight.
Learn to Start a Profitable Aesthetics Practice in Just 4-Days!
January 17-20
March 28-31
June 6-9
in sunny Scottsdale, AZ
Start your transitioning to aesthetic medicine and learn everything you need to grow a profitable aesthetics practice in just 4-days!
January 17-20
March 28-31
June 6-9
Scottsdale, AZ
*Members preferred price for 4-day accelerated program. Save $3,605! Membership is only $295/yr and can be added during registration.
If you decide to use semaglutide for weight loss, you’ll initially start on a low dose and gradually increase it. This helps your body get used to the medication and reduces side effects. Here’s how the dosing usually works:
Each phase helps your body adapt to the medication so it can effectively aid your weight loss efforts.
Starting Dose
You’ll begin your semaglutide journey with a weekly dose of 0.25 mg. Starting low helps your body get used to the medication and reduces the chances of side effects like nausea and stomach issues.
Increasing the Dose
After taking the initial dose for four weeks, you’ll bump it up to 0.5 mg once a week. This gradual increase helps your body adapt without causing too much upset. If you’re handling it well after another four weeks, your doctor might suggest increasing it to 1.0 mg.
Keeping It Going
For a lot of people, sticking with a 1.0 mg dose each week works well. But, some see better results by stepping up to 1.7 mg and eventually 2.4 mg weekly. Remember, everyone’s different, so it’s important to keep in touch with your doctor to figure out what works best for you and your weight loss goals.
Personalized Dosing: The dose of semaglutide you’ll take is really personalized. It depends on how you respond to it, how well you can handle it, and your specific weight loss goals. Working closely with your doctor to find the right dose for you is important.
Lifestyle Tweaks: Semaglutide can work wonders on its own, but pairing it with some lifestyle changes gives you even better results and helps you stay healthy in the long run. Eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise are key to reaching and keeping your weight loss goals.
Eating Right: To really boost your weight loss, team semaglutide with a healthy diet that’s full of whole foods and balanced nutrients. Focus on fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains, and try to steer clear of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unnecessary snacking.
Getting Active: Regular exercise, both cardio and strength training, is great for fitness and shedding pounds. The CDC suggests adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, plus some strength training to help tone muscles and boost metabolism.
Changing Habits: If you eat for emotional reasons, think about therapy or counseling to develop healthier habits. Strategies like mindful eating, stress management, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can encourage long-lasting changes in how you eat and live.
You should have regular check-ins with healthcare professionals to tweak your dosage and make sure everything is working safely and effectively. Let your doctor know about any other meds you’re on to avoid interactions, and report any side effects ASAP.
Common Side Effects: Some usual side effects might include feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. These often settle down as your body gets used to the medication, especially when the dose is increased slowly.
Serious Side Effects: In rare cases, semaglutide might cause serious issues with your pancreas, gallbladder, or kidneys. If you experience constant stomach pain, persistent nausea, or dehydration, get in touch with your doctor right away, as these could be symptoms of a serious reaction that needs quick medical attention.
Sign up today and expand your knowledge & skills in Botox®, Fillers, Lasers,
Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion and PRP for Aesthetics!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general knowledge only and should not be considered medical advice. For any questions or concerns about your health or medications, please consult your physician or healthcare provider. They are best equipped to provide guidance specific to your medical needs.
Attend the most comprehensive accredited AMA PRA CAT 1 CME Botox® training weekend, learn how to create a profitable practice with the top 5 most lucrative non-invasive treatments, get hands-on Botox® training in a multi-million dollar aesthetics practice and get trained in GLP-1 agonists and other medically-supervised weight loss treatments.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Talk with a program advisor to discuss your hands-on or online training options for Botox®, Aesthetic Medicine and Medical Weight Management (GLP-1 inhibitors, semaglutide, tirzepatide and more).
The IAPAM has been helping physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants make more & work less with AMA PRA CAT 1 CME certification & training in Botox®, Aesthetic Medicine and Medical Weight Management since 2006.
Choose from online or hands-on training today!
